Street View

2015
Inkjet on watercolour paper
90 x 60 centimeters

The massive collection of data for the Google Street View project inadvertently captured images of people engaged in unexpected activities while others, such as street sex workers, were photographed plying their usual business. Although the company was quick to mask their identity, photography enthusiasts appreciative of the unmediated rawness of the material saved the more eye-catching examples and this reimagining combines some of those social themes. The dusty yards, broken pavement and chain link fences that forms this urban landscapes tells stories of low incomes and low expectations.

This reimagining features a flat and dreary landscape under a harsh midday light. It's occupied by a fibro-cement clad house fronted by a brown summer lawn, a solitary hardy tree provides no shade and a cheap plastic chair offers little comfort for the sitter, they are certain indicators this real estate isn’t particularly desirable. The girls, one of who warily regards the camera while her friend spontaneously smiles for it, could be working or they could be going out for a bit of action.

9 Eyes archive of selected Google Street view images
How Google Street View is inspiring new photography: The Guardian

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